Bio
About a three years ago, Trumps and Kast started making music together. About one year ago they released their first album; A Creature Of The Night, under the name Grifters Inc. An acrobatic year full of leaps and bounds later, they are back with their new EP, Checkout Chicks, Bargirls and Goths. The eight-track release is the second chapter in the life of Trumps, delivered over the uniquely constructed production of Kast. Grifters Inc have matured greatly in their brief hiatus, and it is reflected in their music. Trumps has admitted that for better or worse, each record will be a snapshot of the time period it was created in. Checkout Chicks, Bargirls and Goths delivers a feeling of confidence and honesty, with Trumps unashamedly pointing out his own flaws and shortcomings. Combined with tracks brimming with conviction and pride, it makes for a refreshing listen when mixed with Kast’s diverse production.
Several tracks on the EP show a very contrasting view to their previous record, such as the opener Don’t I Know You? and Roads To Nowhere. During these songs, Trumps touches on subjects of hometown loyalty, the journey from stranger to friend, and the quirks that make cities and people unique. A welcome change from the outlook of last year.
Stopped rapping about them, started rapping about you. Focussed on the little man and came out with the truth.
Throughout the release, Kast has taken his production to new heights with full, precise beats and catchy melodies. The country influenced Merry Go Round, and the upbeat Roads To Nowhere, are examples of just how far his production has come. Meanwhile, their cleanliness is perfectly contrasted by the raw grittiness of tracks such as I Hope The Wind Don’t Change and The Smile, which have Kast lay his percussion over dirty samples of meticulously chopped piano and strings.
I know a guy who makes beats all night. 7:05 in the AM, still trying to get that snare right.
There are stages of the EP where Trumps falls back to his niche for telling stories of heartache and trouble, but they are delivered in a much calmer manner and with much more maturity. My Lady The Mistress is the letter he never wrote, and The Other You, The Other Me, sees him vent frustration at his own way of coping with various issues. Having already visited Perth, and upcoming shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide; Trumps’ stage presence is moving from strength to strength. The live show is a first hand experience of the odd mix that is Grifters Inc.
When Trumps has a decision, always makes the wrong one and tries to stop dancing, well before the song’s done.
Grifters Inc are constantly making music, evolving and developing. It’s difficult to tell whether Checkout Chicks, Bargirls and Goths is about Trumps, Goths, Bargirls, and Checkout Chicks, or You, but it will make sense either way. These eight small tracks have been one big step, and it is just the beginning.
By the way… Don’t I Know You?
